While we love living in the city, there is nothing better than spending time reconnecting with nature. Here in Springfield, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty and diverse hiking options that don’t require us to travel too far out of the city.
Hiking is one of the best things we can do for our mental and physical health, and with all the great options we have here in Springfield, it is no wonder that so many citizens take it up as a hobby.
To give you inspiration for your next hike, we have compiled a list of the best trails and hikes in Springfield, covering options for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a day-long physical challenge or a quick Sunday stroll, Springfield has an option for you!
Let’s get into it!
Image Source: Ozark Greenways
One of the most popular trails in Springfield is the Tal’s Trailhead Wilson's Creek Greenway Trail, located just outside of Springfield. It is managed by Ozark Greenways, whose mission is to provide and upkeep trails for all to enjoy, so you can be confident that this is a great trail.
The hike takes you through the popular Rutledge Wilson Farm-Park, meaning there is a variety of scenery - from lush forest to wide open fields, The trail is also completely covered by asphalt, making this a low-risk hike and one that is perfect for cyclists of all levels, and even those who want to push a stroller along.
Additionally, it is a popular place for runners, due to the minimal elevation making it ideal for those who are just starting out. The trail is easy to access from Springfield, and there is plenty of parking, meaning you don’t need to worry about your car while you enjoy your hike.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to take a relaxed family walk, we highly recommend you check out Tal’s Trailhead!
Image Source: Greater Ozarks Audubon
Another fantastic hike that is located near Springfield is the Greater Ozarks Audubon Trail. This trail is located near Lake Springfield and offers stunning scenic views that perfectly encapsulate the beauty of Missouri.
From gorgeous lake views, lush forest, and wide open prairies, this hike has it all - and the best part is that the whole loop is only 2.4 miles long. The elevation gain is just 71 meters over the whole hike, making this the ideal spot to bring your family or to try out a beginner hike.
We wouldn’t recommend beginner cyclists visit this trail, as it is not paved, making it tricky in some areas. This spot is also popular with bird and wildlife enthusiasts thanks to its dense population of butterflies and hummingbirds. Lake Springfield is an immensely popular spot amongst locals, so be prepared for the trail to be busy if you go on a weekend or public holiday.
However, we think you will enjoy the friendly nature of the Springfield locals who enjoy this trail. If you want a scenic stroll that won’t take you too far out of Springfield, this is the hike for you!
To the northwest of Springfield is the Stockton Lake reservoir and state park, a stunning display of Missouri’s natural beauty, and the home of the Umber Ridge and Stockton Lake Lakeview Trail.
This moderately challenging hike is perfect for those looking for a step up from their regular Sunday stroll and want to feel truly one with nature. The trail takes you around Stockton Lake and through a beautiful forest that is well-marked and well-signposted. It is also home to armadillos and bald eagles, making this the perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
The trail is rarely busy, so it is the ideal location for someone who wants to get away from it all and spend time with nature. There are several steep inclines and declines along the route, so we wouldn’t recommend this hike for young families.
However, if you have older children who love hiking as much as you do, and you want a challenging hike that doesn’t take too long to reach from Springfield, we recommend you give this one a try.
If you’re a dedicated hiker or cyclist who is looking for a real challenge, then we could not recommend the Frisco Highline Trail more. This trail winds 36 miles through the stunning Ozarks and takes users from Springfield to the town of Bolivar.
It is the second-longest rail-to-trail route in Missouri and takes you past historic rail towns, winds through thickly forested areas, before taking you past wide open prairies. While the track itself is not too challenging, we have marked it as difficult as it is a whopping 36 miles long.
Many people choose to do just a short part of the trail, however, it is totally possible to complete the entire thing - it may just take you several days by bike or by foot. The good news is that there are multiple restaurants and camping options along the route, making it perfect for a multi-day hike or bike ride.
If you want to see the absolute best that Missouri has to offer, then this trial will show you everything you need. It’s popular with tourists and locals alike, and for good reason too. It is well maintained, clearly signed, posted, and easily accessible - what more could you want?!
Last, but by no means least on our list of the best trails and hikes in Springfield is the Sac River Trail Loop. Located within the 300-acre Springfield-Greene County city park, this is one of the most popular trails on the site.
It takes hikers and bikers on a loop around the park, past the Sac river, and through forest and fields. The main loop is approximately five miles long, however, there are numerous side trails and extra sections you can do. In fact, the total length of all the trails within the area is over 14 miles.
Due to the bumpy and sometimes steep terrain, this is a moderate trail. It is designed mainly to be used by mountain bikers, however, hikers and runners are also welcome. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for the perfect place to brush up on your mountain biking skills, this is the best place in Springfield to do so.
It’s sometimes hard to believe the diversity and plethora of trails and hikes we have here in Springfield, and we should count ourselves lucky that our city is in such proximity to nature.
Residents in other cities have to travel for hours before they can reach nature, however, here in Springfield it is practically our backyard! What we love is that there is such a wide variety of trails here in Springfield, meaning that beginner hikers and young families, as well as experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge, can easily find a trail that’s right for them, without needing to travel hours outside of Springfield.
Whether you’re new to Springfield, visiting as a tourist, or have lived here for years, we encourage you to spend some time exploring the trails and hikes that the city has to offer. Not only is it great for your physical health, but time in nature is also beneficial for your mental health. Your body and your brain will thank you for it!
